Crystal Ball

October 24, 2014

Howie Kussoy, New York Post: Now is not the time to bet against Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide. Just look at last week's 59-point demolition of Texas A&M. Alabama is on the road Saturday against a Tennessee team that is getting 17 points, but with the way the Crimson Tide is rolling, this should not be a problem.

Double D, Boston Herald: It's a big number, but it's big for a reason. Texas Christian is a 23-point favorite against Texas Tech. The Horned Frogs, with hopes of getting an invitation to the championship playoff, are motivated to put a beating on the Red Raiders. Lay the points.

Mike Hlas, Cedar Rapids Gazette: Never doubt the force of Hlastradamus. His 4-1 record last week positioned the seer for bigger and better things. If you feel like a thrill ride this week, take Hlastradamus' advice and put your samolians on Louisiana State, getting 3.5 points, at home against Mississippi.

Bruce Feldman and Stewart Mandel, Fox Sports: The fans in Morgantown nearly ran out of couches to burn after West Viginia upended Baylor. Now that the Mountaineers are rolling, there's no stopping them. Take West Virginia against Oklahoma State.

Reno Gazette-Journal: Handicapper Josh Nagel suffered his first loss while Lee Sterling and Dennis Ranahan each picked up victories. Saturday's selections include Oklahoma State, South Florida and Michigan.

Tom Fornelli, CBS Sports: The Confidence Pool. Locks of the week include Utah, Ohio State and something called Georgia Southern.

October 17, 2014

Double D, Boston Herald: Rutgers has gently eased its way into the Big Ten. That ends Saturday with the beginning of a brutal stretch of games — at Ohio State, at Nebraska and at home against Wisconsin. The Buckeyes are coming off a bye week and are ready to take the guests to the woodshed. Ohio State, a big favorite, will cover the number.

Howie Kussoy, New York Post: Trying to find action on Notre Dame-Florida State can be difficult, but the uncertainty surrounding Jameis Winston and the Seminoles' continued championship hangover make this an easy pick. Take the Fighting Irish and the points.

Matt Youmans, Las Vegas Review-Journal: Anybody who truly believes Winston was not paid for his autographs must be interested in buying nice beachfront property in Yuma. Sportsbooks are taking note, and if they do put up a line, the amount bettors will be able to wager is likely to be limited.

Bruce Feldman and Stewart Mandel, Fox Sports: If you're tired of hearing about Winston, well, you're likely to hear a lot more about him on Saturday night when Florida State plays host to Notre Dame. The Seminoles have won their last seven games against ranked opponents by an average of almost four touchdowns. The unanimous pick is Florida State.

Reno Gazette Journal: Handicapper Josh Nagel is a spotless 7-0. He'll risk his perfect record by taking Wyoming, a slight favorite, against San Jose State. It is the Cowboys' first home game in a month and the team needs a victory to strenghten its bowl hopes.

Tom Fornelli, CBS Sports: The Confidence Pool. Kansas State and Bill Snyder are coming off a bye week against an opponent that was outgained by 200-plus yards but still beat its archrival. It's a perfect spot for the master, whose team is getting 10.5 points. Load up on the Wildcats against Oklahoma.

Jon WIlner, College Hotline: Pacific 12 picks. Oregon is not the dominant force it has been, neither is Stanford. Nonetheless, Washington is going to have a difficult time scoring with inexperienced Cyler Miles at quarterback. Arizona State's defense is not equipped to handle the Cardinal's power. Take Oregon and Stanford and give the points.

Mike Hlas, Cedar Rapids Gazette: The beginning of a wildly successful second half of the season begins now! Idaho has the nation's longest losing streak at 13. The Vandals are taking on New Mexico State, which is no prize, either. Idaho's streak has to end at some point, doesn't it? Take the Vandals and the points.

October 10, 2014

Reno Gazette-Journal: It's the ultimate "squeeze" play for Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish, coming off a victory over Stanford, play North Carolina a week before the Herculean matchup against Florida State. Take the Tar Heels and the 17.5 points.

Howie Kussoy, New York Post: Oregon and UCLA each have a loss, and another setback will all but eliminate the Ducks or Bruins from a spot in the championship playoff. Oregon, the more consistent team, should keep its hopes alive.

Matt Youmans, Las Vegas Review-Journal: Handicappers don't like Oregon's defense. "Their defense is awful," Westgate Las Vegas sports book manager Ed Salmons said. That along with the fact UCLA is playing at home should be enough to give the Bruins the edge.

Dennis Duggan, Boston Herald: Stanford plays host to Washington State in a Friday night tilt. The Cardinal are ticked off after the loss at Notre Dame, and Double D expects Stanford to lay the lumber against the Cougars.

Mike Hlas, Cedar Rapids Gazette: Is Michigan finished? No, far from it. Penn State is coming into the Big House and the Wolverines are preparing to shock the world.

Bruce Feldman and Stewart Mandel, Fox Sports: It has been a nice run for Mississippi State, but Auburn is about to slap the Bulldogs with a reality check.

October 03, 2014

Howie Kussoy, New York Post: Has there ever been a bigger football weekend in Mississippi? Mississippi plays host to Alabama and Mississippi State entertains Texas A&M. The teams are a combined 17-0. Reality check. The home teams are about to suffer their first losses of the season.

Bruce Feldman and Stewart Mandel, Fox Sports: Maryland has been making noise since joining the Big Ten. The Terrapins can make even more with big, bad Ohio State coming to town. It's not going to happen. The Buckeyes might not cover, but they're going to win.

Jon Wilner, College Hotline: Looking for Friday night action? Wilner says take San Diego State and give the points at Fresno State. He was 4-1 in his Pacific 12 picks last week and had Arizona on Thursday night. He is picking Stanford to beat Notre Dame and taking Utah and the points at UCLA.

Kelly Stewart, Las Vegas Review-Journal: Northwestern is coming off a huge road win at Penn State. That's great, bub, but now Wisconsin is coming to Evanston. Give the eight points and load up on the Badgers.

Mike Hlas, Cedar Rapids Gazette: Hlastradamus has suffered his ups and downs, with his record standing at 11-12-2. That is nothing to be proud of, but it is about to change, beginning with Oklahoma State (-17) against Iowa State and Nebraska (+7.5) vs. Michigan State.

Bruce Feldman and Stewart Mandel, Fox Sports: The Dynamic Duo agree that Georgia will rout Tennessee and Florida State will manhandle North Carolina State. Oh, and Arkansas' impressive start is about to come to a crashing halt.

Mike Hlas, Cedar Rapids Gazette: It was only a matter of time before Hlastradamus turned it around. His 4-1 record in Week 4 is a season best, and he promises to deliver again, including his daring play of Illinois and the points at Nebraska.

Howie Kussoy, New York Post: The Pigskin Profit's weekend got off to a slow start with his selection of Arizona State over UCLA. But he did pick Texas Tech to cover against Oklahoma State. So onto the other winners, like Tennessee and the points against Georgia.

Jon Wilner, College Hotline: He already cashed on UCLA. Now he's moving on to bigger game, including Oregon State and the points against USC and Washington State and the points against Utah.